Analysis: Zimbabwe’s President Updates On the 100 Days Promises

President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa gave updates on the first 100 days in office which have come to an end with a lot to be done to improve Zimbabwe’s economy.

Zimbabwe’s leader said that it takes more than 100 days to recover the country’s economy.

“I know there are those among you who are frustrated at the pace of change and I understand that, but let me assure you that though we have had some major achievements, this is just the beginning. After 100 days of action we are on the right path and will keep working to increase that pace of reform,” said the President.

“We must of course be realistic and recognize that it takes more than 100 days to recover an economy, real change takes time.”

The 100 days projects to transform Zimbabwe has witnessed the re-opening and re-capitalization of companies in the country. Textile industries including David Whitehead and Merlin reopened after the government injected not less than US$2 million in each of the firms.

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) also got new equipment as the government partners the diaspora to revitalize the locomotives in the country. The government is also working on reviving Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company (ZISCO) and has already re-opened the bidding process for a 60 percent stake in the firm.

Although companies seem to be opening in Zimbabwe, the informal sector is still claiming thousands of people as vendors in streets. The government is yet to improve the country’s financial environment as bankers continue to queue for cash on banks with the black market being the source of foreign currents.

Operations to restore order in the country’s Central Business Districts (CBDs) have not gone well with violent clashes resulting deaths. Captains of industry have already declared that 2018 is going to be a hard year for Zimbabwe’s economy.

“Internationally we have been working hard to build our international relations and bring in investment and so far we have secured $3 billion worth of investment commitments from some of the biggest companies in the world,” the President said.

“On corruption, the phrase zero tolerance approach has been backed up by action. We instituted a three month amnesty to get back stolen funds, mandated all cabinet ministers to declare assets, created dedicated anti-corruption courts in all provinces and clamped down on police roadblocks.”